Pages

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Book Review: His Clockwork Canary

Author:
Beth Ciotta

Publication
Date: June 4, 2013

Publisher:
Signet

Series:
The Glorious Victorious Darcy's # 2

History
is repeating itself.

For ambitious engineer Simon Darcy, winning Queen Victoria’s competition to
recover lost inventions of historical significance is a matter of pride—and
redemption. After all, it was Simon’s failed monorail project that left his
family destitute, and winning the tournament would surely restore the Darcys’
reputation.

Simon sets his sights high, targeting no less than the infamous time-travel
device that forever changed the world by transporting scientists, engineers,
and artists from the twentieth century. The Mod technology was banned and
supposedly destroyed, but Simon is sure he can re-create it.

His daring plan draws the attention of Willie G., the Clockwork Canary,
London’s sensationalist reporter. Simon soon discovers that Willie is a male
guise for Wilhemina Goodenough, the love of his youth, who left him jilted and
bitter. He questions her motives even as he falls prey to her unique charm. As
the attraction between the two reignites, Simon realizes that this vixen from
his past has secrets that could be the key to his future…as long as he can put
their history behind him.

Simon’s
pulse raced as his brother left the room. With every fiber of his being he knew
the response would be affirmative. His brain churned and plotted. Only one of
them needed to find and deliver the clockwork propulsion engine in order to
avenge their father’s name and secure the family’s fortune. But, by God, Simon
wanted it to be him.

For
the past ten years, Willie had been masquerading as a young man. Sometimes she
was amazed that she’d gotten away with the ruse for so long. Then again, she
was slight of frame as opposed to voluptuous. What womanly curves she did
possess were easily concealed beneath binding and baggy clothing. Her typical
attire consisted of loose linen shirts with flouncy sleeves, a waistcoat one
size too big, and an American-cowboy-style duster as opposed to a tailored
frock coat.

Once
in a great while she yearned for some kind of feminine frippery, but she was
far more keen on surviving this intolerant world than on feeling pretty.

Simon
Darcy’s father has just passed away and he is facing somewhat of a predicament.
He needs to make money and provide for the family that his father left behind.
When Queen Victoria broadcasts an announcement for a competition that she is
holding, he knows that this could be his chance to win the prize and reclaim
some pride for his family who is now in despair. Simon thinks nothing can stand
in his way from winning this prize until The Clockwork Canary, better known as Wilhelmina
Goodenough the lead journalist for the London
Informer, joins him on his new journey. He can’t stand the things that he,
really a she, writes about in the London news, but Simon is about to learn that
The Clockwork Canary has a few secrets of his, I mean her, own!

Another
fabulous book from Beth Ciotta. I discovered Beth about this time last year,
and I have been following her series of books ever since. She is phenomenal at
pulling readers into the Steampunk genre. She even gives readers an “Alternate
World Glossary” at the front of this book, and honestly I spent about a half
hour just losing myself in this alternate world and its terminology. Truly, I
don’t think Beth gets enough credit within the genre. I mean it’s not every day
that people just create a new world!

Simon
and Mina’s search for this time traveling device is one riveting adventure. I
never lost sight of the story and I always felt as if I were involved in the
mission. They are both somewhat secretive characters, so this is a story that
secrets will unravel as you read. In my opinion those are the best kind of
stories. I loved finding out the past between Mina and Simon! Mina stayed camouflaged
as Willie G. for as long as she could. The chemistry between them was wonderful
and I would love see them pop up in future stories as Beth continues this
series!

***A
copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Signet in exchange
for my honest review***

About Me

My name is Chelsey and reading is my greatest passion! I read and review anything and everything that I find to be "charming."
I accept ARCs or already released books for review, and I'm also available to participate in any blog tours or book reveals too. If anything, please don't hesitate to email me any time for any reason at: charmingchelseys(at)gmail(dot)com